Angel >> Hydrogen The first periodic element, sporting one electron and one proton, may be the smallest and simplest of atoms, but it could soon make its way onto Canadian streets as a clean-burning fuel alternative. Hydrogen-fuelled combustion engines release mainly water as a by-product, rather than greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide. The federal government is earmarking $23-million to promote hydrogen-powered cars by backing the research and construction of several hydrogen refuelling stations across the country. The big dream is to kick the prototype vehicles out of the labs and onto the pavement by 2004.

Insect >> Loblaws The experts and activists may still be debating the merits or demerits of organic vs. genetically modified foods, but Loblaws appears to already be cowtowing to biotech giants, ordering suppliers to remove or cover any labels that identify food as being free of genetically modified ingredients by September 1. Products containing such labels may be yanked from the shelves if suppliers don't comply. This despite the fact that there is no law preventing food producers from mentioning their GMO-free status, as long as it's true. While they're at it, maybe Loblaws should order olive oil producers to take the "no cholesterol" claim off labels.